NORTHAMPTON — A new pastor has been appointed to lead Christ United Methodist Church in Northampton.

Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton appointed Rob Powell as pastor of the 271 Rocky Hill Road church in June. Prior to this appointment, Powell served as the director of family ministries and connections at Trinity United Methodist Church in Springfield. While at Trinity, Powell worked closely with children and youth ministries, developed a silent retreat ministry for adults and supported worship by providing weekly children’s messages and occasional preaching.

Raised in Columbus, Georgia, Powell began a career in nonprofits and higher education in North Carolina following his graduation from Berry College in 2008. After his husband, Chris White, was hired as a professor of music theory at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Powell and White moved to Sunderland, where they lived for 11 years.

In 2017, they welcomed Janze, their beloved child, into their home and hearts. Powell completed his Master of Divinity at Boston University’s School of Theology in 2024, where he was awarded honorable mention in preaching. In 2026, he will complete Spiritual Direction Certification from the Gateways to God program at Rolling Ridge.

Powell’s ministry is guided by a beloved verse: “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another God’s love is made complete in us” (1 John 4:12). He looks forward to encountering God together through the offering and reception of grace and love.

Powell will preach his first service at Christ United on Sunday, Aug. 2, at 10 a.m. A reception will follow. Congregants are asked to bring a flower from their gardens for Powell, White and and Janze.

HADLEY — Issues surrounding elder law will be the focus of a presentation at the Hadley Senior Center on Wednesday, July 29, as part of the Elder Law Education Program put on by the Massachusetts Bar Association.

The free, in-person session starts at 1 p.m. at the 46 Middle St. site, with Stephen Sobey of Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. of Springfield being the main presenter.

The event coincides with the publication of the revised and expanded “2026 Elder LawEducation Guide,” the 17th edition of this resource guide. Hardcopies of this resource guide be available to attendees, while supplies last, and is also online at www.massbar.org/elderlaw.

Among the topics that will be covered are Veteran Affairs financial benefits, how to protect one’s home and assets, power of attorney and healthcare proxies, reverse mortgages, homestead and life estates, Medicare and Medicaid changes and alternatives to nursing homecare.

The Elder Law Education Program, happening at locations across the state and in virtual formats, matches attorneys from the MBA and the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys with more than 70 councils on aging or senior centers.

Volunteer attorneys have participated in the Elder Law Education Program since 1987.

For more information about this program, contact the Hadley Senior Center at 413-586-4023, ext. 6 or [email protected].

NORTHAMPTON — Stavros Center for Independent Living will host its annual Rock, Roll and Stroll celebration on Saturday, July 25, from 2 to 6 p.m., at Look Memorial Park.

The free community event will bring disabled people, families, advocates, service providers and neighbors together for an afternoon of live music, food, local vendors, community resources and disability pride. Scheduled speakers include state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, Ann Lynch representing the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and other community leaders and advocates.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to learn about Stavros programs and resources that support disabled people in living independently, directing their own lives and participating fully in their communities.

Rock, Roll and Stroll is being held in recognition of the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the landmark civil rights law signed on July 26, 1990. The event will honor the generations of disabled advocates who fought for the ADA while recognizing the barriers that remain in housing, transportation, employment, health care, public spaces and full participation in community life.

Event admission is free. Vehicles displaying a disability placard may enter and park at Look Memorial Park at no cost. To register, donate, or learn more, visit: https://stavros.networkforgood.com/events/99097-rock-roll-and-stroll

SOUTH HADLEY — A study group consisting of South Hadley residents, former and current personnel and leaders from Fire and Water Districts 1 and 2 has been meeting over the past two months about a potential merger.

The group has reviewed previous merger study reports, conducted a SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) based on current operations and is developing a business plan of what a merger might look like. In addition, the group is seeking best practices developed by other Massachusetts municipalities that have conducted mergers.

The South Hadley Fire and Water Study Group was organized in response to current town budgetary challenges and a townwide 2024 nonbinding referendum that favored exploring a merger.

Meetings are open to the public. Upcoming meetings will be held Aug. 5, at 6 p.m., at the South Hadley Senior Center, and Aug. 26, at 6 p.m., at the South Hadley Public Library. The Study Group will continue to provide ongoing updates of their work.

For more information, contact Study Group Chair Christine Phillips at [email protected] or 413-531-1063.